Bank Loans
A bank loan is often the first place founders and small business owners turn for capital. Loans let you grow without giving up equity, and with the right lender, they come with relationship-based support that goes well beyond the dollars. The challenge is knowing which lenders are actually startup-friendly, which SBA programs fit your stage, and where to start the conversation.
Most lenders will want to see:
A business plan with financial projections
2–3 years of personal and business tax returns (or projections for startups)
6–12 months of business bank statements
Personal financial statement
Business licenses and formation documents
Not sure where to start? The Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC) offers free one-on-one loan preparation assistance.
Before You Apply
Union Bank & Trust (UBT) Lincoln's largest locally headquartered bank and one of the most founder-friendly institutions in the state. As an SBA Preferred Lender, UBT can make in-house credit decisions, accelerate the approval process, and provide more timely service than other banks. Their Small Business Department focuses specifically on businesses with loans under $500K — and their Small Business Center in downtown Lincoln offers free meeting space for entrepreneurs.
SBA 7(a), Express, and Preferred Lender programs
Conventional business loans and lines of credit
Multicultural banking officer on staff (Raul Sarmiento) for immigrant entrepreneurs
Free Small Business Center meeting space at Union Bank Place, downtown Lincoln
📍 Multiple Lincoln locations
Local Lincoln Banks
Cornhusker Bank A Lincoln-based community bank with a strong focus on local business lending, fully underwritten and serviced in Nebraska. As an SBA Express lender, Cornhusker Bank provides accelerated turnaround times with SBA review and responses to an application within 36 hours.
SBA Express loans
Business lines of credit, commercial real estate, and equipment financing
Commercial construction lending
All loans underwritten and serviced locally
Nebraska Bank of Commerce (NBC) A community bank with Lincoln and Omaha locations, known for relationship-driven lending and strong customer service for small business owners, including startups.
Business loans, lines of credit, and SBA programs
Relationship-focused approach for early-stage businesses
Pinnacle Bank A statewide Nebraska bank with multiple Lincoln locations, known for responsiveness and customized SBA solutions for both startups and established firms.
SBA 7(a) and conventional business loans
Business lines of credit and equipment financing
Commercial real estate lending
First State Bank Nebraska Started in Hickman, Nebraska, with deep roots in the Lincoln community across 18 branches. Offers agriculture loans, small business loans, and a range of business banking products.
Small business loans and lines of credit
Agriculture and equipment financing
American National Bank A top SBA 7(a) and 504 lender in Nebraska with localized experience in agriculture and equipment financing. Strong presence in Lincoln and Omaha.
SBA 7(a) and 504 programs
Commercial and equipment lending
For founders who aren't yet bankable — early stage, limited credit history, or from underserved communities — these organizations offer flexible lending with built-in support.
Nebraska Enterprise Fund (NEF) A statewide CDFI offering flexible lending products, business development services, and funding to micro and small businesses. Particularly strong for founders who don't yet qualify for traditional bank financing. Includes one-on-one technical assistance with every loan.
Microloans and small business loans
Pre- and post-loan technical assistance
Workshops and business training
Nonprofit & Alternative Lenders
Community Development Resources (CDR) Provides SBA Microloans from $1,000 to $50,000 with terms from 1 to 6 years, designed to assist new and existing small businesses with startup and growth capital. Funds can be used for inventory, equipment, improvements, and working capital. One-on-one technical assistance included.
SBA Microloans: $1,000–$50,000
Business planning and startup support
The SBA doesn't lend money directly—it guarantees a portion of loans made by approved lenders, which reduces the lender's risk and makes it easier for small businesses to qualify. The most relevant programs for founders:
SBA 7(a) — The most flexible and widely used SBA loan. Up to $5 million, usable for working capital, equipment, debt refinancing, or business acquisition. Most startup-friendly option at traditional banks.
SBA Express — A faster version of the 7(a), up to $500,000, with SBA review turnaround within 36 hours. Good for founders who need speed.
SBA Microloan — Up to $50,000 for startups and early-stage businesses. Lower eligibility requirements, often paired with technical assistance. Disbursed through nonprofit intermediaries, not banks directly.
SBA 504 — For major fixed assets: commercial real estate or heavy equipment. Involves two lenders — typically a bank (50%) and a Certified Development Company (40%), with 10% from the borrower.